GENERAL STUDIES CURRICULUM:
Social Studies
The social studies curriculum is designed to guide talmidim in attaining a knowledge of the major ideas, events, forces and personalities which have contributed to the development of civilization. The department aims to provide talmidim with the type of liberal arts education which enables them to see the human experience from a comprehensive and broad point of view.
Talmidim are required to complete four years of social studies and to successfully complete both the Regents examination in Global Studies and American History.
Global Studies with AP European History Included
The goals of this college level course are to gain knowledge of basic chronology and of major events and trends from approximately 1450 to the present, and also to gain understanding of some of the principle themes in modern European history. If you do well on the AP exam you will earn 3 college credits.
Global History and Geography I
Man’s struggle for social order in different societies forms the theme of this course. The course surveys the history and cultures of Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, China, Japan and India. Talmidim are taught historical inquiry, the use of primary and secondary sources, term paper skills and map skills. This course focuses on western civilization beginning with the Greek and Roman periods and following through the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the development of nation states.
Global History and Geography II
Talmidim explore the major forces that shaped the 18th and 19th centuries and laid the foundations for the tumultuous 20th century. The course assesses the effects of nationalism, industrialization and imperialism; the emergence of the Third World; and economic and political realignments. Jewish History is studied within the context of Global History, with special emphasis upon the interrelationship of Jewish History and global and national events.
American Studies and Government
This course provides talmidim with a culminating survey of the major forces in United States history. Major components of the course include constitutional issues industrial and technological developments within the United States and our country’s increasing involvement in international and global concerns. Talmidim’ historical inquiries are advanced through the use of primary and secondary sources and essay writing. Jewish history is studied within the context of American history with a special emphasis on the role of Jews in American history
AP American History
This course, for advanced eleventh grade talmidim, is a survey of the social, economic and political developments of the United States from the colonial period to the present. Emphasis is on the various interpretations of major historical themes and problems in our history. Talmidim successfully completing the course will take both the Advanced Placement examination in May and the Regents in June. Jewish History is studied through various American Jewish documents with special emphasis on the development of the American Jewish community.
Economics
This course covers both micro- and macro-economics. Talmidim will gain an understanding of economic concepts such as scarcity and its effect on society, the various laws of supply and demand, inflation and supply side economics, taxation and government spending, economic growth and interdependence. Topics include: labor unions and their effects on the American economy; business development and the role of the stock market. Other topics include measuring the economy using leading, lagging and coincident indicators and international trade and the effects of the American trade deficit.
AP Political Science
The study of topics such as the exercise of power and influence; sources and resolution of conflicts; the relationship of politics to the economy, culture and other aspects of society; the adoption and implementation of public policies; and the development of political systems. These topics are studied at all levels, from local communities to the global community. Political Science deals with how we reach the collective decisions that shape our common fate.
AP European History
The goals of this college level course are to gain knowledge of basic chronology and of major events and trends from approximately 1450 to the present, and also to gain understanding of some of the principle themes in modern European history. If you do well on the AP exam you will earn 3 college credits.
The Social Studies program also offers talmidim many co-curricular opportunities to enhance their learning skills in areas of individual interest through such clubs as the Mock Trial team, the Stock Market club and other political action clubs.